2026 PGA Championship Contenders

The first tee time at the 2026 PGA Championship is nearly upon us. Below is where I’ve landed on who the most likely players are to win the year’s second major at Aronimink Golf Club. 

A Few Notes: 

I’ve waffled a little bit, but Scottie Scheffler is my official pick to win. I know, not exactly going out on a limb, but I picked Rory McIlroy to win the Masters, so I’m trying to keep my grand slam hopes alive. He’s looked off at points throughout the year, but he is still the best player in the world and churns out top 10s in his sleep. His 11 top-10 finishes in 13 major starts since the start of 2023 are two more than any other player (Xander Schauffele, 9). Any setup that doesn’t have a ton of variance is good for Scheffler and Aronimink should do an effective job sorting on skill. I’ll ride with Scottie. 

I need to address Russell Henley. After the Masters, I said Henley deserves more respect in the golf world. And here I am leaving him off my PGA Championship contenders graphic. I just don’t think a 167-mph ball speed can compete at Aronimink. It’s too short. Henley is a terrific player, but I’d much prefer a firm golf course where wide misses are penalized for Henley. He’ll be playing from too far behind. Could he finish T-12? Yes. Do I think he can win this week? No. 

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More players than I included can win this tournament, of course. But none of the Spring Break Boys — Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, and Justin Thomas — are winning this week. 

If you want somewhat of a sleeper this week, I really like the way this sets up for Sam Burns. Good wedge player, incredible putter, contended in two of the last three major championships. That’s a legitimate contender. 

If you want longer shots, I’m high on Pierceson Coody and Michael Thorbjornsen, two young players early into their major championship careers who could get in the mix on the weekend.